Why do I require Varifocals?

Whether you have a short sighted (myopia) or hyperopia (long sighted) prescription you will require a reading correction at some point. This is called presbyopia and is part of the ageing process. Generally starts at 45 years old.

For short sighted (myopic) persons you may just take your glasses off to allow you to read but this may be impractical. If you wish hands free vision Varifocals offers both myopic & hyperopic the opportunity to correct both distance, intermediate & near vision problems with one pair of glasses.

What is Presbyopia & why does it occur?

This is one of the first signs of ageing. 🙄 Joy! 

The crystalline lens of the eye is like a zoom lens in a camera, able to focus  close up & re- focus on the distance, repeating continuously. This lens grows denser throughout life reducing its flexibility & manifests as an inability to focus as quickly initially, to not being able to focus as close, ultimately requiring a presbyopic correction i.e. reading glasses. This is presbyopia and 1st signs appear around 45 years of age. 

What are varifocal lenses?

Also known as progressive spectacle lenses or progressive addition lenses (PAL) Varifocal lenses are corrective lenses used in spectacles to correct presbyopia and other disorders of accommodation. They are characterised by a gradient of increasing lens power, added to the wearer's correction for distance prescription (refractive error) The gradient starts at the wearer's distance prescription, at the top of the lens and reaches the full reading power, at the bottom of the lens. In practice this should allow clear point of focus to see objects at any distance.

Difference between Bifocal & Varifocal Lenses?

Bifocals have two separate zones for distance and near vision, it is easy to locate and spot both parts with a clear visible distinguishing line. The upper part of the bifocal lens is for distant vision and the lower portion is for near vision.There is no intermediate correction i.e. for computer screens, arms length distances. You will always notice the differentiating (bifocal) line when switching from far to near.

Visually, bifocal glasses show off your age and tell others that you wear reading glasses, its not that problematic if you prefer showing your age but sadly not everyone wants to tell the other person his age through their lenses.

On the other hand, varifocals do not display any such distinguishing factors. Moreover, the varifocals are divided into three parts for correcting near, distance and intermediate vision defects. The upper part of the varifocal lens corrects your distant vision, the intermediate is for computer work like reading an article online and the near portion is for distant vision. Unlike Bifocals, wherein there is a quick move from distant vision area to the reading area. When it comes to varifocals, there is a very smooth transition from one zone of power strength to the other.

TIPS for adapting to varifocals

Time: Adjusting to new varifocals requires some time and it is the only way to overcome the issues that are associated with the new prescription glasses. You need to give ample time to your brain as well as the eyes to focus and become habitual to the new varifocals.

 

Wear full time:  Wear your glasses, varifocals all the time and you will feel your eyes are adjusting quicker.

Avoid your previous pair: Two steps forwards, one step back. You are well adapted to these already. Like worn shoes, they may feel more comfortable than the new ones but after a period the new ones will feel just as comfortable.

Buy Good (Digital Freeform) Varifocals

Conventional Varifocals                                  Digital Freeform Varifocals

Coventional varifocals do not account for the eye movement dynamics.This means power can vary in different eye gaze directions.

With Freeform lenses:

Every point in the lens is adapted to the individual’s eyes

Entire lens is of the correct prescription

Superior optical quality. HD vision

Progressive lenses achieve optimum vision in the far (including lateral far), intermediate and near regions.

Prices

HDO Range Varifocal lenses CLEAR HDO - 1.5 index tougher to scratch coating = £129 HDO - 1.5 index hard coated lenses + anti reflection coating + anti smudge + 2 years protection coatings defect= £149 HDO -  anti reflection coating + BLUE light control  + tougher to scratch coating + anti smudge + 2 years protection coating defect =£169 Thinner varifocal lenses. 1.6 suitable for prescription up to +/- 4.00 Up to 20% thinner than standard lenses. Suitable for rimless HDO  - 1.6 hi index lenses comes with anti reflection + tougher to scratch coating + anti smudge + 2 years protection coating defect = £189  HDO - 1.6 hi index lenses comes with anti reflection + BLUE control + tougher to scratch coating + anti smudge + 2 years protection coating defect = £209 Thinner varifocal lenses. 1.67 suitable for prescription up to +/- 6.00 Up to 35% thinner than standard lenses. Suitable for rimless  HDO - 1.67 hi index lenses comes with anti reflection + tougher to scratch coating + anti smudge + 2 years protection coating defect= £239 HDO - 1.67 hi index lenses comes with anti reflection + BLUE control tougher to scratch coating + anti smudge + 2 years protection coating defect= £259 Thinnest varifocal lenses. 1.74 suitable for prescription up to +/- 10.00 Up to 45% thinner than standard lenses. Suitable for rimless HDO - 1.74 hi index lenses comes with anti reflection + tougher to scratch + anti smudge + 2 years protection coating defect = £339  Ultra HDO Range Varifocal lenses CLEAR Ultra HDO - 1.5 index tougher to scratch coating = £149 Ultra HDO - 1.5 index hard coated lenses + anti reflection coating + anti smudge + 2 years protection coatings defect= £179 Ultra HDO -  anti reflection coating + BLUE light control  + tougher to scratch coating + anti smudge + 2 years protection coating defect =£209 Thinner varifocal lenses. 1.6 suitable for prescription up to +/- 4.00 Up to 20% thinner than standard lenses. Suitable for rimless Ultra HDO  - 1.6 hi index lenses comes with anti reflection + tougher to scratch coating + anti smudge + 2 years protection coating defect = £239 Ultra HDO - 1.6 hi index lenses comes with anti reflection + BLUE control + tougher to scratch coating + anti smudge + 2 years protection coating defect = £259 Thinner varifocal lenses. 1.67 suitable for prescription up to +/- 6.00 Up to 35% thinner than standard lenses. Suitable for rimless  Ultra HDO - 1.67 hi index lenses comes with anti reflection + tougher to scratch coating + anti smudge + 2 years protection coating defect= £289 Ultra HDO - 1.67 hi index lenses comes with anti reflection + BLUE control tougher to scratch coating + anti smudge + 2 years protection coating defect= £309 Thinnest varifocal lenses. 1.74 suitable for prescription up to +/- 10.00 Up to 45% thinner than standard lenses. Suitable for rimless Ultra HDO - 1.74 hi index lenses comes with anti reflection + tougher to scratch + anti smudge + 2 years protection coating defect = £369